Mobile configurable animal trap system

ABSTRACT

A portable, trapping system for capturing and non-lethally retaining a large number of large animals, such as wild horses or feral hogs. A specialized trailer aligns and secures deployable corral components for transportation. The corral comprises a modular fence erected on-site from multiple fence panels that are hinged together by pinning. The fence panels are configured with voids to prevent animal climbing. A gate with a remotely actuated trap door is similarly pinned between adjacent fence panels. The gate threshold is concealable. Stakes secure panels to the ground, forming a stable enclosure. The trailer comprises a rigid, confining frame structure adapted to constrain and transport corral components. When the corral is disassembled, multiple individual fence panels are slidably captivated between channels on first and second confining surfaces, being maintained in a parallel and stable configuration during transportation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This utility application is based upon, and claims priority from, aprior U. S. utility application entitled “Mobile Configurable AnimalTrap System,” Ser. No. 14/613,776, Filed Feb. 4, 2015, which was in turnbased upon U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/936,090, filed Feb.5, 2014, entitled “Modular, Trailerized Animal Trap System,” the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to portable traps for capturingrelatively large animals. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to trailer or vehicle-mounted, transportable trap systemsincluding modular components such as deployable corrals comprisingconfigurable fences and gates for capturing and temporarily restrainingsignificant quantities of relativity large animals such as feral hogs,wild horses, or the like.

II. Description of the Prior Art

So-called “Feral hogs”, while not native to the United States, presentan increasingly dangerous problem. They are an invasive species, apublic nuisance and a threat to Arkansas and other states. They competefor food resources, destroy habitat by rooting and wallowing, and theywill eat ground-nesting birds, eggs, fawns and young domestic livestock.They also carry up to forty-five bacteria, diseases and parasites,including Trichinosis, Brucellosis and swine herpes virus.

The population of wild hogs in southern portions of the United Stateshas increased significantly in recent years. Feral pigs have beenharvested by hunting and shooting for the last few decades. Sporthunting of feral hogs has been more of a hindrance to hog removal thanbenefit. Hunting has been shown to reduce hog populations by only eightto fifty percent. The illegal relocation of hogs for hunting purposeshas spread the problem to new areas. The shooting of individual hogsalso thwarts large-scale trapping efforts by agencies, because increaseddisturbances make it nearly impossible to catch the whole family groupat once.

Hogs can be chased away away from crops or food plots temporarily, butthey soon return and quickly become a problem for landowners. Studiesshow that approximately two-thirds of a hog population must be removedeach year just to prevent the population from growing. Wild hogsweighing in excess of five hundred pounds are commonly found inwidespread areas of Texas, Louisiana and southern Arkansas. Reports ofwild hogs weighing in excess of 1000 pounds within the southern UnitedStates are not infrequent.

Feral hogs are large, strong and aggressive, and they are equipped withlarge tusks that can seriously injure a human being, particularly youngchildren. Feral hogs often damage the local environment, and interferewith agriculture. Hogs require plentiful food, and their voraciousappetite insures substantial competition with other wild animals, suchas deer, or with domestic animals, such as cattle and horses, that aremore desirable. Widespread areas of land, including recreational areassuch as parks, hiking trails, and leased hunting grounds, commonlyevidence the activities of large hog populations. In such areas theground may be rooted up and visibly disturbed for hundreds of yards inevery direction.

Thus feral hogs, and certain other non-game animals, have becomedangerous nuisances. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recognizeslarge-scale trapping as the most efficient and economical meanscurrently available to reduce feral hog populations. Of course, avariety of prior art traps and cages have been proposed for such use.

Often, trappers have relied upon large, preassembled cages that arebulky and difficult to handle and deploy. These often have square orrectangular shapes, with a gate or trap door disposed at one or bothends. As herds of feral hogs move about, however, the traps must berelocated and redeployed to follow the herd. However, most knownpreassembled cages are difficult to handle and relocate, so it can be atime consuming process for a trapper to actively follow meandering hogpopulations.

Typical known designs have several shortcomings. Feral hogs arerelatively intelligent, and quickly recognize the potential dangers tothem of any trap system. Smaller traps can, in effect, scare off themajority of a herd. Where, for example, a conventional cage traps asingle animal, the rest of the hogs often recognize the threat and leavethe area. Of course, the damages that a trapped wild animal can inflictupon a poorly built or structurally weak trap are well known. However,where traps of conventional designs are merely reinforced andruggedized, without substantial redesign, their increased weight andbulk interfere with mobility, and the potential speed realized by thetrapper.

Another disadvantage of many prior art cages is that the trap door andassociated tripping mechanisms are often unreliable. When engaged by aone thousand pound animal, for example, the door may be triggered whilethe animal has only partly entered the trap, facilitating escape.Another disadvantage of prior art devices is the difficulty in openingthe door after the animal has been trapped inside. In order to releasethe door used with poorly designed, prior art cages, the trapper's bodymay closely encounter the trapped animal, resulting in potential attacksand injuries.

A typical cage trap is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,982, issuedFeb. 2, 1999. This reference discloses a cage trap with a verticallydisposed, sliding door at the trap front. A trigger mechanism linked tothe door is activated by an animal contacting a bait pan that is placedwithin the trap. However, traps of this type cannot capture and confinea plurality of large animals such as feral hogs at once.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,210 issued Apr. 6, 1993 discloses a cage-type animaltrap adapted to capture a single large animal at a time. An elongated,generally rectangular cage comprises roof and floor panels, side panels,and a rear panel. A forward portion has a vertically slidable doorguided by tracks in the side panels that is gravity-actuated. Baitdisposed within the cage toward the rear panel is supported by aretainer slidably disposed upon the roof panel. An elongated trip rodactivated when an animal pushes the bait tray springs the trap and sealsthe cage. The door is released and moves downwardly in response togravity. Again, a plurality of large animals cannot be handled all atonce. Moreover, trip rods of this type may be broken or damaged bysudden impulsive moves of relatively large and ferocious animals such astrapped feral hogs.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,359,783 issued Jan. 29, 2013 discloses a a cage traphaving an animal enclosure, with a remote-controlled trap door-openingmechanism. The mechanism is mounted outside the trap and is remotelyactivated by a transmitter to open a trap door and release a trappedanimal when the operator is at a safe distance away.

Relatively large trap arrangements for capturing multiple feral hogs atonce are known in the art. Many include a deployable fence comprising aplurality of interfitting, modular fence sections. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 6,772,555 issued Aug. 10, 2004 discloses a portable animal trapfor humanely capturing and restraining large animals such as feral hogs.The trap may be field assembled from modular components, including amulti-section fence and an associated gate. Animals are attracted withinthe trap by bait. A sliding gate supported and released by a slidinggate latch traps the animals when triggered. The modular componentscomprise square or rectangular wire mesh panels framed by square tubing.Once the individual components are placed in their proper positions,they are joined together by fasteners.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,088 issued Dec. 21, 2010 discloses another trap forcontaining a number of relatively large animals. An entry path (gametrail, etc.) extends from the enclosure to an automated drop gate at theentrance. At least one trip arm disposed along the entry can actuate thegate when contacted by animals. The trap is configured to capture anumber of herd animals such as wild pigs.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,076 issued Nov. 22, 2011 discloses another portablelarge animal trap designed for capturing multiple wild hogs at once. Thetrap is firmly secured to the ground by a chain. When hogs or otherlarge animals in the trap root up pins in the ground, the door drops andlocks shut.

A variety of modular fence arrangements suitable for use with a largeanimal trap are known in the art for erecting temporary corrals oranimal pens. Such modular fences are transported to a desired locationand then deployed by coupling modular fence pieces together to form atemporary fenced enclosure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,741,529 issuedJun. 26, 1973 shows a portable corral formed from a plurality ofpivotally-intercoupled panels. The fence panels can be be folded into acompact assembly for transportation in a typical horse trailer. When theassembly is unloaded from the trailer, the several panels are connectedin a desired configuration to form a temporary corral confining adesired area.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,767,167 issued Oct. 23, 1973 shows a portable fencepanel designed for connection to identical panels to form a pen orcorral. The generally rectangular panels are interconnected with oneanother by tubes mounted both at the top and bottom of posts thatreceive inverted studs mounted on an opposite end post on a companionpanel. The studs on one panel end pivotally mate within registered tubeson the adjoining panels. By providing a trio of tubes, a four-way fencecorner can be constructed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,148 issued Feb. 1, 1983 shows an enclosure usingmultiple sections that can be pivotally interconnected together byhinges and moved to assume a variety of configurations. A circularenclosure can be made from adjacent, arcuate sections that are pivotallyinterconnected by spaced apart hinges. Multiple hinges including pinsreceived in sleeves are employed to pivot connected sections.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,151 issued Aug. 27, 1985 discloses a portable corralcomprising a plurality of panels which are rotatably coupled to eachother by sleeves. The panels may be folded and mounted on a trailer fortransportation to a selected site. Each panel has both horizontal andvertical members. Supporting legs furnishing support for the panels arelocked in place by pins. For transportation the panels are folded andplaced on a support plate fastened to the trailer.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,424 issued Jul. 4, 1989 shows a portable fence madefrom multiple rectangular sections coupled together with pins andsockets. The couplings are formed from parallel sleeves which are weldedto the frame. When the outermost sleeves of the couplings on oppositeends of two adjacent frames are axially aligned and a pin is inserted toconnect adjacent sections.

U.S. Design Pat. No. 552,751 issued Oct. 9, 2007 shows a modular corralcomponent suitable for use in conjunction with portable corral orfencing structures.

The art also reflects improved transportation means for haulingmultiple-component fences, traps, or corrals. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,280,944 issued Jan. 25, 1994 discloses a carrier for transportingfence panels which are supported between a pair of vertical supportposts mounted on a trailer. An extensible alignment bar attached to asupport post extends across the front of the fence panels to keep thefence panels aligned. Hooks wrap around the outermost fence panels tohold them together.

Other art pertaining to fence hauling arrangements and modified trailersis discussed in the various other patents referenced above.

As implied above, to trap large quantities of wandering feral hogs aneasily deployable and readily transportable trap system must beemployed. A reliable gate must be integrated within a system comprisingmultiple fence sections that can be rapidly deployed once a target areais reached. Conversely, when the trap is to be moved to a new location,the fence panels must easily disassemble, and an efficienttransportation arrangement for the panels must exist. Cumbersome stacksor folded bundles of fence sections are difficult to lift andmanipulate. Fence portions should be easily stored and secured within atrailer without excessive labor, and without wasting time. However, whentraveling, the fence modules should be stably secured within a housingor trailer that is adapted to handle them efficiently, without vibratingand shifting about over the road.

When deployed the panels must easily hinge together and pin to groundfor stability and speed. Importantly, erected fence portions of anadequate large animal trap must be strong and durable enough towithstand the pressure and forces encountered in response to feral hogs(or other large animals such as horses) that can weigh in excess of onethousand pounds. Particularly for feral hogs, the corral fence and gatecomponents must be designed to prevent animal climbing and escape.

Moreover, to entice hogs to enter the trap, the entryway thresholdpreferably must be concealable, without sacrificing the structuralintegrity of the gate. In prior art designs the gate bottom forming thecorral entryway threshold can normally be seen by animals. It should beappreciated that many animals, such as feral hogs, are afraid totraverse metal structures, especially when associated with traps, sohogs often refrain from entering such an enclosure. Thus, where there isvisually apparent, man-made structure occupying the entranceway or theentranceway threshold of a trap or corral, the likelihood of capture isreduced. On the other hand, where deployable gates have hitherto beenfabricated in an inverted-U shape, where there is no bottom cross-pieceor structure to scare away animals, the structural integrity iscompromised, and such designs cannot non-destructively restrain large,captured animals (i.e., in the 1000 pound and above category) withoutinjury or damage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention comprises a readily transportable, configurable trapsystem for capturing and non-lethally retaining a large number of largeanimals, such as feral hogs, wild horses, or the like.

The preferred trapping system comprises a mobile platform or other meansfor conveyance that transports a deployable corral for erection anddeployment at a suitable trapping site. Preferably a custom trailer isutilized for transporting the apparatus. The corral is engineered forquick and easy erection and/or take-down, and it can be customconfigured at a trapping site in a variety of sizes and shapes.

The preferred corral comprises a modular fence that is erected on-sitefrom multiple fence panels that are deployed end-to-end and then hingedtogether. A gate assembly, comprising a trap door, is similarly coupledbetween a pair of fence elements. Preferably the gate assembly employs aconcealable entrance threshold that does not scare the animals.

Stakes secure the fence panels to the ground to reinforce the corral andform a stable enclosure. Importantly the fence panels are stored in ahighly stable and organized arrangement within the mobile platform thatis especially designed for the quick storage and deployment of thepreferred corral fencing and gates(s). In one form the preferred fencepanels are designed with special voids or gaps, to prevent animalclimbing and escape.

The preferred mode of transportation is with a specialized trailer. Thepreferred trailer comprises a rigid, upright confining frame structureadapted to constrain the various corral components in a stable,space-saving configuration. An elevated, channeled ceiling is disposedabove a channeled floor. Fence panels slidably register within spacedapart upper and lower ceiling and floor channels, so they are maintainedin a parallel spaced-apart configuration during transportation.Similarly, suitable upper and lower aligned channels slidably receiveand then constrain the gate assembly during transportation.

Thus a basic object of my invention is to provide a heavy duty,user-configurable animal trap system that can be easily transported to asuitable site for rapid deployment in a desired shape, size andconfiguration.

A basic object is to humanely trap large animals such as feral hogs,wild horses, and elk.

A related object is to trap large quantities of animals, particularlyferal hogs, all at once.

Similarly, it is an important object of my invention to trap large feralanimals without injury.

Another basic object is to provide a universal trap that is configurableand deployable for use with a large variety of domestic and wildanimals.

Yet another basic object is to provide a mobile, custom configurablecorral and trapping system utilizing the corral, that can be deployed invarious sizes for capturing a variety of animals.

Another object is to provide a trap of the character described that cancapture a plurality of relatively large and heavy wild animals, such asferal hogs, and which can reliably restrain them once caught withouthurting the hogs, and without sustaining damage from them.

A related object is to provide a fence panel design suitable for trapsof the character described that prevents feral hogs or other capturedanimals from climbing and escaping.

An important object is to provide a modified trailer that is speciallyadapted to transport and dispense a plurality of heavy duty modularfence components suitable for use with heavy-duty, deployable traps,corrals or fences.

Another object is to provide a trap system of the character describedthat facilitates rapid and easy erection of fences or corral-typeenclosures of a variety of user-selectable sizes and shapes.

A related object is to provide a trap system of the character described,and a customizable corral for the trap system, that can be adaptedrapidly to different terrains and irregular ground.

Another object is to provide a portable fence and corral system forconfining livestock or other large, domestic animals.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable,modular trap comprising a user-deployable fence structure that can beassembled into straight or curved portions as conditions necessitate.

It is also an object to provide portable fence panels of strong, durableconstruction, which are capable of being quickly, pivotally connected tocooperating panels, to provide a holding pen or enclosure for a varietyof animals, whether domestic or wild.

A related object is to provide a gate system for use with the aforesaidfence panels that has a disguised or conceivable threshold, so thattarget animals are not frightened away.

Another object is to provide a portable fence panel system designed suchthat erection or disassembly can be accomplished by a minimum of workmenin a minimum of time.

Another basic object of the invention is to provide a portable fencepanel system which can form rectangular and polygonal pens of desiredsizes and shapes.

Yet another object is to provide a portable fencing system fortemporarily deploying holding pens, field corrals, temporary stalls, andthe like for a variety of animals.

It is another basic object of the present invention to provide aportable animal trap for capturing one or more large animals at oncewithout harming them, and without allowing them to escape.

Another important object of the present invention to provide a trap ofthe character described which has a reliable trigger mechanism.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a deployable,modular trap which has strength comparable to a cage trap, but which canbe custom configured and deployed for capturing a large number ofanimals all at once.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved,portablefolding fence system of the character described wherein thetransportation means, i.e., a trailer, is customized to quickly storeand stabilize individual panels when transported.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, alongwith features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or becomeapparent in the course of the following descriptive sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification andwhich are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which likereference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible toindicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the preferred corral associated with thetrap system, showing it deployed with the trap door in a set or openposition, and with the fence elements deployed in one of a variety ofpossible, geometric configurations;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the trap doorclosed, as it appears after the trap system is triggered;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, isometric view showing a typical fence panel ofthe type preferred for large animals such as horses;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary isometric view illustratingassembled, adjacent fence panels;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, isometric view of a portion of thehinge area taken generally from circled region “5” in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of one form of a gate and a sliding trapdoor;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary isometric view taken generally fromcircled region “7” in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary isometric view taken generally fromcircled region “8” in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, isometric view of the a system trailer used fortransporting the preferred corral fence and door components;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, frontal isometric view of the trailer of FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary rear isometric view of the trailer of FIGS. 9and 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary right side isometric view of the trailer ofFIGS. 9-11;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, rear isometric view of the preferred trailersimilar to FIG. 9, but illustrating the opposite side;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, isometric view of the undeployed system, i.e.,showing a loaded trailer and illustrating placement of the gate, andvarious fence panels and accessories;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, rear plan view of the undeployed system,generally from a position to the right of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary front plan view of the undeployed system, takengenerally from a position to the left of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 an isometric view of a trailer floor or ceiling showing thechannels between which fence panels are slidably fitted;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the typical floor or ceiling seen in FIG.16; FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a floor panel taken generally alongline 18-18 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a frontal elevational view of the preferred trap doorcontroller cabinet;

FIG. 20 is a frontal elevational view of the controller cabinet with theface plate removed, showing the cabinet interior and major electricalparts;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary, isometric view of an alternative systemtrailer used for transporting the preferred corral fence and doorcomponents, with the trailer unloaded;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary, frontal isometric view of the alternativetrailer of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary rear isometric view of the trailer of FIGS. 21and 22 showing the modified roof structure;

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary right side isometric view of the trailer ofFIGS. 21-23;

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary, isometric view of the undeployed alternativesystem showing the alternative trailer loaded, and illustratingplacement of the gate, and various fence panels and accessories;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary, rear plan view of the undeployed alternativesystem showing the alternative trailer loaded;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary, front plan view of the undeployed alternativesystem, taken generally from a position to the left of FIG. 13, againshowing the alternative trailer loaded;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged, isometric view showing a preferred anti-climbingfence panel used with the alternative trap system;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged, fragmentary isometric view illustratingassembled, adjacent anti-climbing fence panels; and,

FIG. 30 is an isometric view of a preferred anti-climbing gate with ananti-climbing trap door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With initial reference now directed to FIGS. 1, 2, and 13-15 of theappended drawings, one embodiment of my portable animal trap systemconstructed in accordance with a preferred mode of the invention hasbeen generally designated by the reference numeral 20. The system 20comprises a modular corral 22 and a mobile platform means afforded by atruck or trailer 200 for conveyance and delivery. The corral 22 isideally deployed upon somewhat flat ground at a trapping site aftertransportation by trailers 200 (FIG. 13-15) or 300 (FIGS. 21, 22). Whenunloaded and deployed, the corral 22 encircles the selected area ofdeployment 23 to form a pen in which target animals 21, such as wildhorses, elk, or feral hogs, may be restrained after capture. The corral22 (FIGS. 1, 2) is formed from a plurality of interlinked, modular fencepanels 24 (FIGS. 3-5) that occupy and define a corral periphery, alongwith various accessories and at least one gate described later (FIG. 6).The corral is preferably formed from anti-climbing fence panels 24B(FIGS. 28, 29) described later that are preferred for feral hogs whichare very adept at climbing over fences.

Preferably the various fence panels 24 are generally rectangular, asbest seen in FIG. 3. Each fence panel 24 has opposite ends provided withhinge structure explained and illustrated in conjunction with FIGS. 4and 5 that pivotally couples adjacent panels together when the corral 22is deployed. The corral 22 surrounds enclosed pen area 23, access to orfrom which is enabled or foreclosed by a gate 26 (FIG. 1) that supportsa slidable trap door 28 that selectively blocks or exposes a corralentryway 29 (FIG. 1). Door 28 is slidably captivated between gate sides30 (FIGS. 1, 7) on opposite sides of entryway 29. Gate 26 and trap door28 are detailed in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. During installation, the fencepanels 24 (and thus the resultant corral 22) are secured to the groundby a plurality of stakes 31 (FIGS. 4, 5) that are driven into the groundduring corral erection.

As best seen in FIG. 3, a typical fence panel 24 comprises a rigid,generally rectangular structure comprising an elongated, rigid top rail32 and a parallel bottom rail 33 that are braced together with parallelend rails 34 and 35. Fence panels 24, which may be four to six feettall, are preferred for trapping larger animals such as wild horses. (Asexplained later, for climbing animals such as feral hogs, theanti-climbing fence panels 24B described later are preferred).Reinforcement is provided by a vertical cross rail 36 and a pair ofhorizontal braces 37 and 38 which divide the fence panel 24 into quarterpanels, each of which is provided by conventional, wire fence webbing39. Each bottom rail 33 is provided with a hinged stake tab 40 (FIGS. 3,5) through which stakes 31 (FIG. 4) may be driven to secure the deployedcorral upon the ground 23. The tab 40 is deployed perpendicularly to thefence panel when a stake is installed. To enhance clearance, the tabs 40may be deployed vertically (i.e., flushly aligned with the plane of afence panel) when the fence panels are stowed.

Means are provided for removably coupling adjacent fence panelstogether. It is preferred that they be hinged or pivotally coupledtogether. Preferably, at the left of each fence panel 24 there are apair of rigid, vertically spaced apart sleeves 42 that are welded to endrail 34. There are a pair of similar spaced-apart sleeves 44 on theright side of the panel 24, welded to end rail 35. Sleeves 44 arevertically spaced apart from one another the same distance that sleeves42 are spaced apart; however, sleeves 44 are lower than sleeves 42 sothat, when two fence panels 24 are placed side-by-side, as illustratedin FIGS. 4 and 5, the sleeves 42 on one panel 24 will axially,vertically align with spaced-apart sleeves 42 on the neighboring panel24, so that they may be flexibly or pivotally joined together withremovable pins 45 (FIG. 5.)

Referencing FIGS. 6-8, the rigid gate 26 is generally rectangular. Itsupports a reciprocally displaceable trap door 28 that closes or opensthe corral by blocking or unblocking the corral entranceway. The gate 26comprises a rigid, supporting gate frame 48 with a rigid, elongated,concealment piece 49 at the gate bottom. Concealment piece 49, whichoccupies the entranceway threshold, has a jagged, bottom edge 50 thatcan be hidden within the ground. Thus, with the instant design, the gatebottom is concealable. During the corral erection process, the gate 26may be moved into place and then manually moved back and forth like asaw, such that the edge 50 digs piece 49 into the ground for hiding thelower structure of the gate for concealment within the entrywaythreshold. Thus threshold concealment piece 49 hides the bottom of thegate to prevent scaring the hogs away from the corral entryway.

Gate frame 48 supports an upper, rigid, top piece 52 that extendsbetween rigid, spaced-apart frame sides 53, 54 (FIG. 6). As with thefence panels 24 discussed earlier, there are parallel, framereinforcement cross pieces 51, 55. Gate frame side 53 has a pair ofspaced apart sleeves 42B that function the same as sleeves 42 on a fencepanel 24. Also, gate frame 48 has spaced apart sleeves 44B on its side54 that are equivalent to sleeves 44 (FIG. 4) so that the gate 26 may becoupled to adjoining fence panels 24 the same way that the fence panelsof FIG. 4 are coupled together (i.e., with pins 45 as if FIG. 5). Theanti-climbing gate 26B (FIG. 30) described later is similar, but ismodified to prevent hogs from climbing.

The gates' slidable trap door 28 comprises a rigid top rail 56 extendingbetween sides 57 and 58 and a rigid bottom 59. There are vertical crosspieces 60 and horizontal cross pieces 61 for reinforcing the trap door.Webbing 63 exists between various sides and cross piece reinforcements.Preferably the gate frame 48 supports a pair of offset slide tubes 65that are secured to frame sides 53 and 54 by suitable brackets 69 (FIG.7). The trap door sides 57 and 58 each support slide rings 66 that areslidably captivated on slide tubes 65 so that the trap door 28 isdisplaceable vertically. When triggered (FIG. 8), the gate's trap door28 may quickly slide down from the “set position” of FIG. 7 to forciblyclose the gate in response to gravity. The anti-climbing trap door 28B(FIG. 30) discussed later is specially designed to prevent hogs fromclimbing over it.

Trap triggering can be effectuated manually, through animal contact, orpreferably through remote control. Preferably, trap triggering and gateactuation is controlled by a commercial gate controller 68 (FIGS. 20,21) secured to and between gate frame cross pieces 51, 55 (FIG. 6). Thecontroller 68 comprises a GSM (i.e., Global System for MobileCommunication) switch with a conventional cell-phone activated latchrelease. The controller 68 comprises a substantially sealed cabinet 72(FIG. 19) engaging pieces 51, 55 (FIG. 6) that is covered by removableface plate 73. Controller 68 engages trap door 28 by engaging a claspstructure 70 (FIG. 6) having a rigid pin portion 71 that projectshorizontally outwardly from the trap door 28 from cross piece 60.

With primary reference directed to FIG. 20, the GSM comprises aremotely-activated switching unit 74 that controls a solenoid 75 toretain or drop the trap door 28. The solenoid 75 activates a plunger 77connected to a lever 79 that is pivoted at fastener 80. Plungerdisplacement is limited by a stop 78 (FIG. 20). A pair of opposed jaws82 (FIG. 20) controlled by lever 79 can grip pin 71 (FIG. 6) to retainthe trap door 28 in the upper, open position (i.e., FIG. 7). The jaws 82are normally spring biased together. When switching unit 74 activatessolenoid 75 to retract plunger 77, lever 79 deflects and forces jaws 82apart, freeing pin 71 on the trap door which then drops, closing thegate. Controller 68 can be activated by a cell phone from a distance. Asuitable antenna to interface with the controller 68 can be secured toantenna mounts 220 (i.e., FIG. 9) or 320 (i.e., FIG. 21) describedhereinafter.

A manual release cord 86 (FIG. 20) coupled to lever 79 extendsexteriorly from the cabinet interior, terminating in manually graspablehandle portion 87. For manually triggering the trap or releasing thegate, handle portion 87 may be manually pulled, either directly orthrough a suitable elongated extension tied to portion 87. Suitableconventional animal-activated trip wires or trip mechanisms may beconnected to handle portion 87 as well, to deflect cord 86 fortriggering. However, the last mentioned type of triggering arrangementis not preferred because trap activation may occur when only a singleanimal is in the corral, defeating the trap's purpose of capturingnumerous animals at once.

The controller 68 releases the trap door 28 upon a suitable signal oractivation command programmed by the user either through a cellulartelephone, radio connection, or through direct “hands on” activation.Because of the design of the trap, numerous hogs 21 (FIG. 2) can enterthe trap, and hogs will not become “spooked” and leave or run away whenslightly agitated. This means that large numbers of hogs 21 can betrapped at once, and capturing them is enhanced by remote cell phonecontrol and monitoring. When using remote, cell-phone activation, theuser may be watching the trap through a remote monitor TV camera alsointerconnected via cell phone.

The instant trap system 20 comprises a mobile platform for storing andtransporting its parts. Such a platform could be provided by a modifiedtruck, a suitable trailer, or even a boat where feral animals are to betrapped upon river islands, which is a common practice along theArkansas, Ouachita, and/or Mississippi rivers. However, with referencenow directed generally to FIGS. 9-15, the preferred mobile platform forsystem 20 comprises a special trailer, generally designated by thereference numeral 200, that is specially adapted for hauling corral 22and the various corral parts. The preferred alternative trailer 300(i.e., FIGS. 21, 22) is discussed later. Each trailer 200, 300 canefficiently stow various fence panels 24, the gate apparatus 26, thatare all neatly and stably secured within the trailer. In FIGS. 13-15 thetrailer 200 is shown loaded, wherein the various fence panels 24 andgate structures and accessories such as stakes 31 and pins 45 (FIG. 5)are safely stowed in the preferred manner. Trailer 200 is shown unloadedin FIGS. 9-11.

Trailer 200 comprises a rigid, generally rectangular, frame 202 havingfront 201, rear 209, and sides 211 (FIG. 10) and 213 (FIG. 12). Frame202 supports at least one wheeled axle 203 that is covered byconventional fenders 207 at each side of the trailer. A conventionaltrailer tongue 205 secured at the front (i.e., the towing end) enablesconnection to a suitable towing vehicle and trailer hitch (not shown).Preferably trailer 200 is equipped with a front-mounted storage box 204for storing and hauling miscellaneous tools, and corral accessories suchas hinge pins 45 and ground stakes 31 (i.e., FIG. 5) and relatedaccessories and parts. Preferably there is a front-mounted spare tirecarrier 206 disposed at one side of the trailer that is welded to theframe 202. Conventional tailights 208 are disposed at the trailer rear(i.e., FIGS. 9, 11).

Rising upwardly from the lower base frame 202 is a rigid, verticalconfining frame structure, generally indicated by the reference numeral210. The right side of the confining frame 210 (i.e., as viewed in FIG.11) comprises a trio of rigid, vertically spaced apart, stanchions 212,214, and 216 rising upwardly from frame 202. The left side includesanother trio of upright, perpendicular stanchions 217, 219, and 221 thatform the opposite side of the trailer 200. The left side stanchions 217,219 and 221 are generally aligned with and parallel with the right sidestanchions 212, 214, and 216 respectively, but the left side stanchionsare substantially longer. Preferably there is at least one transversereinforcement strut 218 (FIG. 9) bracing the front, and extendingbetween side stanchions 212 and 217. A detachable rear panel 222selectively braces the rear (FIG. 9) to close the confining frame 210after loading the trailer. Similarly there is at least onelongitudinally extending reinforcement strut 215 (FIG. 9) bracing theright side. An optional, selectively deployable antenna mount 220 ispivoted to stanchion 221 at the trailer left side and selectivelylatched to front stanchion 217. Suitable antennas for interfacing withthe controller 68 can be secured to mount 220.

At their tops stanchions 217, 219, and 221 respectively supporthorizontal struts 223-225 that extend horizontally over the frame 202towards the right (i.e., as viewed in FIG. 11) to support a trio ofelevated, triangular trusses 228 to which they are welded. Trusses 228extend horizontally across the top of the trailer and are welded attheir right ends (i.e., as viewed in FIG. 11) to right side framestanchions 212, 214, and 216. Each truss 228 comprises a horizontal baseportion 232, a vertical side 233, and a diagonally positioned strut 234(i.e., FIGS. 10, 11) forming the hypotenuse of each truss assembly.

As best viewed in FIGS. 10 and 11, frame 202 comprises three rigid,spaced apart, frame members 240 (FIG. 9) and 242 (FIG. 11) thattransversely extend across and between the base frame sides beneath theelevated frame structure 210. Frame members 240, 242 support a generallyrectangular, first confining surface 244 (i.e., FIGS. 11, 16) thatsupports multiple fence panels 24 when they are being transported withintrailer 200. In the best mode first confining surface 244 comprises afloor. As best viewed in FIGS. 16-18, the first confining surface 244comprises a plurality of elongated, generally rectangular channels 246that are separated by divider walls 248. As previously discussed, eachupper truss 228 has aligned and parallel, horizontally extending baseportions 232. A rigid, generally rectangular and channeled secondconfining surface 249, preferably a ceiling, is disposed upon trussportions 232, spaced apart from and parallel with the first confiningsurface 244 below it, with which it is aligned. Channels in the secondconfining surface 249 (i.e., the ceiling) are aligned with and identicalwith channels in the first confining surface 244 (i.e., the floor in thebest mode). Its channels are vertically aligned with correspondingchannels 246 (i.e., FIG. 18) in the floor 244 such that panels may slidetherebetween. It will be appreciated that the first and second confiningsurfaces are parallel with each other and spaced apart, and that theycan be arranged vertically (so panels are stored horizontally) or theycan be arranged horizontally as in the best mode, so panels are storedvertically between them.

It will be appreciated that the chosen mobile platform, whether or not atrailer, will function as intended for storing and stably transportingparts as long as an appropriate channeled floor 244 is associated with asuitable channeled ceiling 249. Thus irregardless of the chosen mobileplatform type, the various fence panels 24 can be securely, verticallycaptivated between the floor 244 and the ceiling 249, with their topsand bottom respectively riding within and captured between theregistered channels 246 in the floor 244 and ceiling 249. However, forease of use, simplicity, and economy, a trailer is the preferred form ofmobile platform for trap system 20.

The gate assembly 26 mentioned earlier in conjunction with the abovediscussion of FIGS. 1 and 6-8 is preferably mounted for transport withinthe trailer 200 in parallel with the fence modules 24. From FIGS. 10 and11 it will be noted that there is a rigid, elongated, channel 250extending along the bottom left side of the trailer 200, spaced apartfrom and parallel with floor 244. At the top of the trailer 200 there isa similar rigid channel 252 that is inverted, and which extends betweenstruts 223-225 vertically above channel 250 (i.e., FIGS. 11, 14). Whenbeing transported, the gate assembly 26, with trap door 28 nestedtherewithin, can be secured between and within channels 250, and 252 ina stable vertical orientation spaced apart from, and parallel with thesimilarly vertically stored fence modules 24.

The alternative trailer is designated by the reference numeral 300(FIGS. 21-27). As before, the various parts of corral 22, including thefence elements 24, the gate apparatus 26 and other parts are all neatlyand stably stowed within trailer 300. In FIGS. 21-24 trailer 300 isshown unloaded, Trailer 300 is shown loaded in FIGS. 25-27.

Alternative trailer 300 comprises a rigid, generally rectangular, frame302 comprising a rigid, transverse front portion 301 (FIG. 21), rearportion 309 (FIG. 24), and parallel frame sides 311 (FIG. 21) and 313(FIG. 24). Frame 302 has at least one wheeled axle 303 assembly that isshrouded by conventional fenders 307. A conventional trailer tongue 305interconnects with a suitable towing vehicle. As before, trailer 300 hasa front-mounted storage box 304, and a front-mounted spare tire carrier306 that are welded to the frame 302. Conventional tailights 308 arewelded at the trailer rear (i.e., FIGS. 9, 11).

A rigid, confining frame structure, generally indicated by the referencenumeral 310 extends vertically upwardly from frame 302. The right sideof the vertical frame structure 310 (i.e., as viewed in FIG. 23)comprises a trio of rigid, vertically spaced apart, stanchions 312, 314,and 316 rising upwardly from frame 302. The left side includes anothertrio of upright, perpendicular stanchions 317, 319, and 321 that formthe opposite side of the trailer 300. The left side stanchions 317, 319and 321 are generally aligned with and parallel with the right sidestanchions 312, 314, and 316 respectively, and with trailer 300, theleft side stanchions are substantially equal in length to the right sidestanchions. Preferably there is a transverse reinforcement strut 318(FIG. 24) bracing the apparatus and extending between side stanchions312 and 317. A similar transverse reinforcement strut 315 extendsbetween stanchions 314 and 316. A detachable rear panel 322 selectivelycloses the trailer and braces the trailer rear (i.e., FIG. 21) afterloading. An optional, selectively deployable antenna mount 320, which ispivoted to stanchion 321 at the trailer left side and selectivelylatched to front stanchion 317, can support the necessary antenna forcontroller 68B.

At the trailer top the vertical confining frame structure 310 hasuppermost horizontal struts 323, 324, and 325 extending respectivelybetween stanchions 317, 319, and 321 and stanchions 312, 314, and 316.Each horizontal upper strut 323, 324 and 325 has a corresponding pair ofsmaller, parallel struts disposed beneath it. For example, strut 323 hassmaller struts 360 and 361 beneath it (i.e., FIGS. 22, 27). Strut 324has smaller struts 362 and 363 beneath it (FIG. 23.) Strut 325 hassmaller axially aligned struts 364 and 365 parallel with it and beneathit.

As best viewed in FIG. 23, frame 302 comprises a plurality ofhorizontal, spaced apart frame members 340 (FIG. 21) and 342 (FIG. 23)that transversely extend across and between the sides 311 and 313 offrame 302 beneath the elevated frame structure 310. Transverse framemembers 340, 342 support generally rectangular, channeled secondconfining surfaces 344 and 345 (i.e., FIGS. 21, 23) that are preferablyhorizontally oriented (i.e., they form a floor in the best mode). Theupper struts 360-365 discussed above support channeled first confiningsurfaces 369 and 370 (FIG. 23), that in the best mode form a ceiling.The channeled first confining surfaces 369 and 370 are horizontallyoriented and spaced apart from and parallel with the second confiningsurfaces 344, 345. Surfaces 344, 345, forming a floor in the best modewhen disposed horizontally, and surfaces 369, 370, forming a ceilingwhen disposed horizontally, are constructed similarly to those seen inFIGS. 16-18, which were discussed in detail in the corresponding textabove. The various elongated channels in opposed ceilings and floors arealigned to receive and support the fence panels 24 for transportation.Upper and lower portions of the panels are slidably captivated withinaligned channels (i.e., channel 246 in FIG. 18), and the panels 24 arethus transported in a stable, semi-permanent vertical orientation.Importantly, surfaces 344, 345, can be oriented vertically, with spacedapart surfaces 369, 370 oriented vertically also, such that panels maybe slidably disposed between them in a horizontal array.

The gate assembly 26 discussed earlier (i.e. FIGS. 1, 6-8) is alsovertically stored within trailer 300 for transportation (i.e., FIGS. 26,27). For safe and stable stowage, the gate assembly is preferablydisposed in parallel with the fence modules 24. A rigid, elongated,channel 350 extends along the bottom of the trailer 300, spaced apartfrom and parallel with floors 344 (FIG. 26). A similar rigid channel 352is disposed at the trailer top parallel with the ceilings 369, 370 (FIG.27). When being transported, the gate assembly 26, with trap door 28nested therewithin, can be secured between and within channels 350 and352 in a stable vertical orientation spaced apart from, and parallelwith the similarly vertically stored fence modules 24.

FIG. 14 illustrates the gate secured within the trailer between itschannels 250, 252. The various fencing panels 24 are similarly stored inthe trailer in parallel fashion with them slidably disposed within andbetween opposite, aligned channels in the ceiling and floor discussedabove.

Referencing FIGS. 28-29, a preferred fence panel 24B has been designedand modified to prevent hogs from climbing to escape capture. Fencepanels 24B are substantially similar to fence panels 24 described indetail earlier, and corral 22 described previously (FIG. 1) can comprisecombinations of fence panels 24 and/or 24B.

The anti-climbing fence panels 24B comprise an elongated, rigid tophorizontal rail 400, a parallel, spaced apart horizontal bottom rail402, and an intermediate horizontal rail 404. Vertical side rails 406and 408 brace the fence panel sides, extending from bottom 402 to rails400 and 404. Reinforcement is provided by intermediate vertical rails409, 410 extending between horizontal rails 402, 404. Furtherreinforcement is provided by a pair of smaller vertical rails 412extending from intermediate horizontal rail 404 to top rail 400 (FIG.28). As seen in FIG. 29, adjacent panels 24B can be coupled together inthe same manner panels 24 are pinned together, as described previously.

Fence panels 24B, which may be from four to six feet tall, are adaptedto prevent climbing by captured feral hogs. Importantly, there is anapproximately ten to twelve inch gap 420 or 421 or 423 (FIG. 28) betweentop rail 400 and intermediate rail 404. Preferably the distance beenupper rail 400 and intermediate rail 404 is between ten to twenty fivepercent of the distance between bottom rail 402 and top rail 400. Gaps420, 421 and 423 are preferably separated by the optional verticalreinforcement rails 412. The gaps 420, 421, 423 comprise anti-climbingvoids at the top of each fence panel 24B. It has been found that theseanti-climbing voids make it virtually impossible for feral hogs 21 toclimb over the panels and escape the corral. Fence panels 24 discussedearlier (i.e., FIG. 1), lack these gaps, and are recommended for usewith animals that tend to stick their necks through gaps like voids 420,421 (FIG. 28).

The anti-climbing gate 26B is quite similar to rigid gate 26 previouslydescribed. It controls an anti-climbing trap door 28B that is similar totrap door 28 discussed earlier. The controller 68B can be activated, inthe manner previously described, to drop the trap door 28B into theclosed position illustrated in FIG. 30. The anti-climbing trap door 28Bis provided with a pair of ten to twelve inch high, spaced apart gaps429, 430 between post 431. Gaps 429, 430 function as anti-climbing voidsthat make it difficult for a feral hog to climb over the deployed gate28B and escape. These gaps 429, 430 function similarly to the gaps 421,420 in the anti-climbing fence panels 24B described earlier.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, togetherwith other advantages which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matterherein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable animal trap system comprising: amodular corral adapted to be transported to and assembled at a trappingsite for capturing and restraining animals, the corral comprising aplurality of generally rectangular fence panels adapted to form a corralperiphery; each fence panel comprising a top rail, a bottom railparallel with and spaced apart from said top rail, an intermediate,horizontal rail disposed between said top and bottom rails, and ananti-climbing void defined between said top rail and intermediate railfor preventing animals from climbing out of said corral; a plurality ofstakes that can be driven into the ground during corral erection tosecure adjoining fence panels to the ground, and wherein adjacent fencepanels are coupled together with spaced apart sleeves on said fencepanels and pins for coupling aligned sleeves on adjoining panelstogether at least one gate adapted to be coupled between adjacent fencepanels that establishes a corral entryway, the gate supporting a trapdoor slidably disposed over said entryway that, when open, allows animalaccess into said corral, and which, when closed, prevents animal escapefrom said corral, the gate comprising a pair of spaced-apart sidesbetween which the trap door is slidably captivated; and anti-climbingvoids for preventing animals from climbing, wherein the gate isgenerally rectangular, and the gate comprises a rigid, supporting framewith slide tubes for slidably captivating the trap door, the trap doorcomprising slide rings slidably captivated on said slide tubes a triggerfor releasing the trap door to enclose the corral and capture animalsconfined therewithin; and, a mobile trailer with at least one wheeledaxle and a tongue for towing for transporting the corral, said trailercomprising a first confining surface with a plurality of elongated,spaced apart and parallel channels, a spaced apart second confiningsurface with a plurality of elongated, spaced apart and parallelchannels, and wherein the channels in said first confining surface arealigned with the channels in the second confining surface whereby fencepanels are slidable between aligned channels.
 2. The animal trap systemas defined in claim 1 wherein said first confining surface comprises afloor comprising spaced apart and parallel channels, said secondconfining surface comprises a ceiling comprising a plurality ofelongated, spaced apart and parallel channels, and wherein the ceilingchannels are aligned with the floor channels whereby fence panels arevertically, slidably secured between aligned ceiling and floor channelsfor transportation.
 3. The animal trap system as defined in claim 1wherein said trigger comprises a remotely actuable controller responsiveto cell phone instructions for triggering the trap.